JP2020056397A - Vacuum device, accessory unit, and system - Google Patents

Abstract

To simplify and/or flexibly form connection of an accessory of a vacuum device.SOLUTION: The invention relates to a vacuum device 10, in particular a vacuum pump, with at least one connection part 14 for an accessory unit and with a control unit 12 for the accessory unit, the control unit being formed to recognize the type of the accessory unit connected to the connection part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The invention relates to a vacuum device, in particular a vacuum pump, having at least one connection for an accessory unit and a control unit for the accessory unit.

  The invention also relates to an accessory unit for a vacuum device, in particular a vacuum pump, having a connection for connection to a connection of the vacuum device.

  The invention also relates to a system having a vacuum device and an accessory unit.

  In a typical vacuum device of the prior art, one or more connections are provided for accessory units. The accessory unit is driven by the control unit of the vacuum device after connection to the connection.

EP3020975A1

  It is an object of the invention to simplify and / or flexibly connect the accessories of a vacuum device.

  This object is achieved by a vacuum device having the features of claim 1 and in particular by a control unit being configured to recognize the type of accessory unit connected to the connection.

  As a result, the connection of the accessory units is particularly simple and does not require a manual configuration or any other external configuration. The drive of the vacuum device is thereby made particularly flexible. This is because the accessory units can be connected, separated and / or replaced as needed without much effort. According to the invention, a particularly comfortable drive is realized under the "plug and play" concept, as is known in the technical field of operation without the personal computer. The accessory unit to be connected is thus advantageously obtained from the user's point of view simply by connecting to the connection. The control unit can appropriately drive this with knowledge of the type of accessory unit.

  The concept of "type" thus includes at least the information necessary for a reliable drive of the accessory unit. For example, the control unit can recognize the accessory unit based on its identification, and recall further information, such as, for example, the maximum allowable voltage, from a stored table. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the control unit recognizes the necessary information directly, in particular on the basis of signals transmitted from the accessory unit.

  According to one embodiment, the connection can have communication contacts for communicatively connecting the accessory unit to the control unit. This need not necessarily be interpreted as a metallic and / or electrical contact, but generally as a point of connection for wired communication. Thus, for example, it is also possible to provide optical contacts for the light conducting wiring. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible for example to provide a communication interface, for example independent of the connection, in particular of the wireless type. The possibility for communication between the control unit and the accessory unit not only simplifies the recognition, but also makes the drive significantly more flexible. This is because data can be exchanged between the control unit and the accessory unit. In particular, communication is possible in both directions. For example, communication contacts may be available for communication to other units. That is, for example, for communication with component units and / or diagnostic units, other vacuum devices, and / or process lead systems. Advantageously, a separate interface, such as a diagnostic interface or a configuration interface, can be omitted. Basically, it is also possible for a plurality of communication contacts to be provided, in particular for each connection.

  It can be provided that the connection has at least one supply contact for powering the accessory unit. The accessory unit thus does not require an additional power connection, which simplifies the arrangement and equipment. For example, a screwdriver can be provided for the supply contact or for the connection. This can advantageously be configured such that accessory units of the older device generation, especially those without means for transmitting recognition signals, can be driven reliably.

  For example, the control unit can be configured such that the accessory unit is powered at a different voltage, in particular via a supply contact. In the simplest case, this is two different voltages, in particular zero and a common drive voltage for all accessory units. In particular, at least two different non-zero voltages are advantageous. This allows the connection of the accessory units to be more flexible. These can be supplied as needed and no transformer is needed in the accessory unit. In another example, the control unit applies a non-zero first voltage, for example 5 V, essentially at the connection or at the supply contact, and after recognition and / or communication with the accessory unit Thereafter, an appropriate voltage, for example, 24 V is applied to the accessory unit.

  In another example, for example, a predetermined supply voltage is always on at a supply contact. The accessory unit advantageously controls itself, in particular in response to commands or data previously given by the control unit. The instructions or data are preferably transmitted via the communication contacts of the connection. This makes the vacuum device and the control unit technically simple.

  The supply contact can be usable, for example, both for supplying energy to the accessory unit and as switching means (for example, like a relay) for operating a switch. The drive is thereby made more flexible. Thus, for example, accessory units which cannot be powered via a vacuum device or which are technically very expensive can also be driven. For example, the accessory unit can be a pre-pump for a vacuum device formed here as a vacuum pump. This pre-pump requires a relatively large output. This output can only be supplied via a vacuum device with special technical effort. Furthermore, this leads to an increase in installation space. This is often not desired. Thus, in this example, the energy supply of the accessory unit is advantageously provided externally. As far as the vacuum device is described above as a different unit from the accessory unit, this is not considered as an accessory for the vacuum device according to the invention, but rather as a secondary driven vacuum device. The pre-pump described here, on the other hand, is dependent and dependent on a vacuum pump. In addition, the prepump is, in this example, driven via a supply contact. Basically, this can be controlled via the communication contacts or also via other communication means. Obviously, the connection according to the invention can be variously configured and used. The drive control and / or the communication can be realized for a number of units, in particular starting from the control unit. In all, the automatic recognition of the accessory unit according to the invention by the control unit contributes to an entirely new flexibility and simplicity.

  In another practical example, the control unit is configured to drive and control the accessory unit according to the parameters of the vacuum device. For example, in an accessory unit formed as a fan, the number of revolutions is controlled according to the temperature in the vacuum device or in the vacuum device. This drive control can be performed on the one hand via a supply contact and, on the other hand, via a communication contact. At this time, the accessory unit is adapted to adjust the rotation speed itself. In an advantageous example with respect to backward compatibility, the vacuum device and / or the accessory unit are even configured such that both are possible.

  Basically, it is also possible for common contacts to be provided as communication contacts and as supply contacts. Communication and power supply are also possible via the same wiring. This has been found to be particularly advantageous in terms of compatibility. Existing connections need not be changed. Furthermore, the structure is simple and remains simple.

  According to a development, it is provided that the control unit is configured to recognize the type of the accessory unit from the signals output from the accessory unit. As a result, a particularly simple and reliable recognition can be realized. The signal may include, for example, identification and / or information. These are directly related to the parameters of the accessory unit, such as the drive voltage.

  The signal can for example be supplied directly to the control unit via the communication contacts of the connection. This allows a particularly simple actuation. Alternatively or additionally, the signal may be independent of the connection, provided via an additional connection and / or wirelessly.

  The connection can in one embodiment be provided with a serial interface for the accessory unit. This makes it possible to easily achieve highly reliable communication.

  Alternatively or additionally, the connection can be provided with a bus interface for the accessory unit. This allows a particularly flexible drive for a large number of accessory units.

  Basically, at a plurality of connections, a plurality of accessory units can be controllable here and / or in groups. In particular, the number of accessory units can be scalable.

  In a plurality of connections, the control unit recognizes the assignment of the accessory units connected to each connection, for example via a topology, i.e. directly or between the control unit and each connection. It is possible to recognize through the individual wiring provided. However, it is alternatively also possible for assignment via the bus system.

  In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to process a payload provided by the accessory unit. Here, the payload is data different from the recognition data. For example, the payload includes sensor data. The accessory unit thus comprises, for example, one sensor, and the information can be provided in an analog or digital manner, in particular via a connection. In that case, omitting the independent converter provided for the sensor can be accompanied by a cost advantage. Not only is the converter omitted, but also commonly available supplier parts can be driven by the control unit without significant technical adaptation.

  In a further development, it is provided that the control unit is configured to drive the accessory unit even when it does not recognize the accessory unit in its form. In this case, it is possible, for example, to provide an input unit for inputting an accessory unit type to the control unit. The input can basically also be made via an additional connection for the accessory unit. In this case, the input unit itself as an accessory unit and / or a communication unit for receiving from the input unit can be connected or connectable to this connection.

  Furthermore, the control unit can be configured to simultaneously drive a plurality of accessory units connected to the connection. For example, the at least one accessory unit connected or connectable to the direct connection can have an additional connection for the connection of another at least one additional accessory unit. This realizes a chain of accessory units and drives without additional adapters and offers the possibility of connecting a large number of further accessory units, in particular with the same number of connections in a vacuum device. Can be Basically, the additional connection can be directly connected to the first connection of the accessory unit, or still be connected via a processing unit, for example a microprocessor Is also possible. In that case, for example, the transmission of data and / or voltage from a higher-ordered accessory unit can be determined for one or more subsequent accessory units. However, alternatively or additionally, an adapter for the parallel connection of at least two accessory units can also be provided at one connection. If a plurality of similar accessory units are connected to one connection of the vacuum device, for example, recognition and / or assignment may take place via an address selection switch or a pre-programmed address. it can. Basically, the accessory unit can be connectable via a plurality of connections. For example, to achieve a higher power, especially at the supply contact, and / or a higher communication data rate, especially at the communication contact.

  Basically, the control unit comprises or is part of a motor control for a vacuum device, in particular a vacuum pump. However, it is also possible for the control unit to be formed independently of the motor control and / or independently of other control elements. One or more independent control units can be provided for one or more control units, respectively. For example, it is possible for the control unit for one connection to be provided, and in particular adjacent thereto, or integrated therein. Here, if no motor control or other control elements are provided, it is advantageous that the control unit can be contacted and read out, in particular via a connection. This leads to more flexibility in the maintenance and operation of the vacuum device or vacuum system.

  The connection can be formed, for example, as a male or female and / or can have a plug or a socket. In this case, a plurality of connection types are conceivable.

  The object of the invention is also solved by an accessory unit having the feature of independence effectiveness directed to it, in particular the accessory unit outputs a signal, in particular via a connection, in particular via a communication contact, The solution is achieved in that the type of the accessory unit is designed to be recognizable on the basis thereof.

  The accessory unit can include, for example, a heater element, a fan, a flow valve, a sealing gas valve, a control relay, such as for a pre-pump, a pressure measuring device, and / or a particularly integrated measuring tube. In general, the accessory unit can have, for example, at least one actuator and / or sensor. However, accessory units with other functional elements are also conceivable. Thus, for example, the accessory unit may include a memory element for storing data. This allows, for example, a long-term recording of the pump data to be realized.

  In an advantageous embodiment, the accessory unit also has an actuator and a sensor, especially for the parameters affected by the actuator. The accessory unit is in this case configured in particular to output data, in particular a payload, from the sensor via the connection. Examples of parameters affected by the actuator are the temperature at the heater element, the speed at the fan, etc. The sensor data can advantageously be used for checking the function of the actuator or for controlling its actuation in response to the sensor data.

  An accessory unit may, for example, alternatively or additionally, have its own interface for communication with another device or unit. For example, the accessory unit has a wireless interface. It is then possible, for example, to form a wireless module. This makes it possible to retrofit the wireless connection in the vacuum device particularly flexibly. The wireless interface may be formed according to at least one standard such as, for example, GSM, UMTS, LTE and / or other mobile radio standards, Bluetooth, NFC, and / or WLAN. In particular, the accessory unit thus wirelessly (generally wirelessly) reads one or more other devices (eg the accessory unit itself for a vacuum device according to the invention). However, they can control, recognize, etc.

  The accessory unit can be advantageously formed such that it can be driven by the control unit of the vacuum device when it does not recognize the type of the accessory unit (eg because the vacuum device has no recognition means). It is. This also allows for advantageous backward compatibility, i.e. operation in older vacuum equipment. For this purpose, the accessory unit can be formed to recognize the fact of not recognizing itself, for example, due to a failed attempt to establish communication with the control unit, in particular via the communication contacts of the connection. It is.

  In one embodiment, it is provided that the accessory unit has at least one second connection for the connection of a further accessory unit to the accessory unit and / or to a vacuum device. The second connection and its contacts can be directly connected to the first connection. In this case, in particular, the contacts and the accessory unit can be formed for connection to a bus system. Alternatively, the processing unit of the accessory unit can be connected between the connections. At that time, the accessory unit can, for example, prevent and / or change the transmission of information and / or voltage.

  The connection of the vacuum device and / or of the accessory unit is formed, for example, both for a mechanical connection to the control unit of the accessory unit and for an electrical and / or information technology connection. Is possible. This allows a particularly flexible connection.

  The task is also solved by a recognition unit having the features of the independent claims directed to it. The recognition unit can, for example, advantageously be used to retrofit older accessory units. The signal can in particular be output via a first connection, in particular a communication contact. The recognition unit can have in the signal, for example, an input unit for input in the form of an accessory unit and / or a format for pre-programmed output.

  The object of the invention is also solved by a vacuum device according to the invention and a system comprising an accessory unit according to the invention and / or a recognition unit according to the invention.

  The object is furthermore achieved by a method for driving a vacuum device with an accessory unit, which is not explicitly claimed at the moment, but is disclosed here as an invention. Here, the control unit of the vacuum device recognizes the type of the accessory unit connected to the connection unit.

  The aspects of the invention described here, namely the vacuum device, the accessory unit, the recognition unit, the system and the method can of course and advantageously be developed in all meaningful embodiments for the respective aspects.

  The invention is described below merely by way of example and with reference to simplified drawings.

1 is a perspective view of a vacuum device according to the present invention. Sectional drawing of the vacuum device of FIG. FIG. 2 is another sectional view of the vacuum device in FIG. 1. Two accessory units are connected to the vacuum device. FIG. 3 is a first connection diagram of a vacuum device and a plurality of accessory units. FIG. 5 is a second connection diagram of the vacuum device and a plurality of accessory units. Third connection diagram. Fourth connection diagram. FIG. 5 shows various possibilities for connecting a plurality of accessory units to a connection part of a vacuum device. Diagram of various connections.

  FIG. 1 shows a vacuum device 10 formed as a turbomolecular pump, together with a control device 12 and two connections 14 for an accessory unit (not shown). Different accessory units can be connected to the connection unit 14, respectively. The accessory unit is, for example, a holding element, a fan, a flow valve, a sealing gas valve, a control relay, a pressure measuring device, and / or an integrated measuring tube. It is possible here that two or more connections 14 are provided. In this example, the connection portion 14 is provided on a lower member 16 of the housing of the vacuum device. However, it is also possible for one or more connections 14 to be provided elsewhere, for example in the upper part 18 of the housing and / or in the control device 12 or in its housing.

  In the cross-sectional view of the vacuum device 1 of FIG. 1 shown in FIG. 2, the cut surface basically extends through the lower member 16. At that time, the vacuum device 10 is basically rotated by 180 degrees. The vacuum device is viewed from below. The electronics section 20 can be seen. This can itself form a control unit for an accessory unit connected to the connection 14, alternatively or in addition to the control unit 12. Control unit 12 may include, for example, a motor control. The electronics unit 20 is formed as a control unit for one or more accessory units, for example, such that the control unit can be driven even when the control unit 12 is not connected. Is possible.

  FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. In this case, however, two additional connections 22 are shown here. These are each connected to the connection part 14 of the vacuum device 10. Starting from each connection part 22, a wiring 24 extends to each accessory unit. These are not represented. In this embodiment, the connection 14 is formed as a socket and the connection 22 is formed as a plug.

  In the first exemplary connection diagram shown in FIG. 4, two accessory units 26 for connection to the vacuum device 10 are provided. The vacuum device 10 has a control unit 12 with two connections 14 for each connection 22 of an accessory unit 26. The connection portions 22 are each connected to an accessory unit 26 via a wiring 24. However, at this time, for example, it is conceivable that the formation of the connection portion 22 is performed directly on the accessory unit 26. The accessory unit 26 can then form one plug-in module. Basically, the connection 14 can be connected to the control unit 12 or to the vacuum device 10 via wiring or the like, but can also be formed independently.

  A second connection diagram is shown in FIG. The vacuum device 10 includes a connection portion 14 provided in a housing of the vacuum device 10. At this time, the accessory unit 26 is provided with a connecting portion 22 for connecting to the connecting portion 14 provided in the vacuum device 10. The control unit 12 has three connections 14. The connection part 22 is provided for connecting to one of the three connection parts 14, and connects the control unit 12 to the accessory unit 26. The accessory unit is mounted on and / or within the control device 10. The accessory unit 26 has, for example, a heating element for heating the vacuum device 10 and / or a sensor for detecting parameters extending to or within the vacuum device 10.

  In the third connection diagram, shown in FIG. 6, the vacuum device 10 has a control unit 12 with two connections 14. The further connection part 14 is provided separately from the control unit 12 on the housing member of the vacuum device 10. The connection unit 14 is connected to the control unit 12 via the wiring 27. The wiring 27 extends inside the vacuum device 10 or the control unit 12 and / or inside the housing. The connection part 14 is also used, for example, for mechanically connecting the accessory unit 26 to the vacuum device 10 and / or for electrically and / or information-technically connecting the accessory unit 26 to the control unit 12. It can be formed. The control unit 12 can generally be provided as a component adjacent to the main housing of the vacuum device 10 as shown, and / or can be formed integrally, i.e. It is also possible for it to be provided at another location 10. The number and arrangement of the further connecting portions 14 can be changed. The accessory unit 26 has a connection part 22. This connection is directly connected to the control unit 26. That is, no flexible wiring is provided. Such can be provided alternatively or additionally. Via the connection 22, the accessory unit 26 is mechanically, electrically and / or information-technically connected to the connection 14 of the vacuum device 10.

  FIG. 7 shows a fourth connection diagram. Here, the control unit 12 is integrated and arranged in the housing of the vacuum device 10. The control unit 12 has one connection part 14. The vacuum device 10 has another connection part 14, which is connected to the control unit via a wiring 27. Two connection units (not shown) can be connected to each connection unit 14 via the connection unit 22.

  FIG. 8 shows a vacuum device 10 having a connection portion 14. For example, an accessory unit 26 can be connected to the connection unit 14. This accessory unit is for connecting the accessory unit 26 to the connection part 14 of the vacuum device 10. The accessory unit 26 further includes a connection portion 14 for connecting one or more other accessory units. For example, an adapter 28 can be connected to the connection unit 14 via the connection unit 22. The adapter has a plurality of connections 14 for further accessory connections.

  FIG. 9 shows a connection 14 of a vacuum device 14 which is not shown here in detail. It has a supply contact 30 and a communication contact 32. The accessory unit 26 also has a supply contact portion 34 and a communication contact 36 at the connection portion. The accessory unit 26 is capable of communicating with the control unit via the communication contacts 36 and 32 of the connection 22 or 14. On the other hand, the accessory unit 26 having only the supply contact 34 is shown below FIG. The accessory unit 26 can supply power via the supply contacts 34 and 30. The accessory unit 26 mounts an older generation accessory unit with respect to the accessory unit 26 above. The vacuum device with the connection 14 can advantageously be formed such that the lower accessory unit 26 can also be driven without automatic recognition of its type. The communication device and / or the communication contacts can also be retrofittable in the accessory unit, for example. This is done, for example, via a recognition unit 38 connected between the connection 22 of the accessory unit 26 below and the connection 14 of the vacuum device. The recognition unit 38 has a supply contact 30 for supplying the accessory unit 26 at the connection portion 14. In the connection 22 it has a communication contact 36 in addition to the supply contact 34. Through this, the recognition unit 38 can output a signal, for example. The signal indicates the type of the accessory unit 26 to be connected. The signal, or format, can be, for example, pre-programmed and / or inputtable.

  In particular, regardless of the format and regardless of the content of each signal, it can be output wirelessly (ie generally wirelessly).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Vacuum apparatus 12 Control unit 14 Connection part 16 Lower part 18 Upper part 20 Electronics part 22 Connection part 24 Wiring 26 Accessory unit 27 Wiring 28 Adapter 30 Supply contact 32 Communication contact 34 Supply contact 36 Communication contact 38 Recognition unit

Claims (15)

A vacuum device (10), in particular a vacuum pump, having at least one connection (14) for an accessory unit (26) and a control unit (12) for an accessory unit (26) A vacuum device (10), characterized in that the control unit (12) is configured to recognize the type of accessory unit (26) connected to the connection (14). The vacuum device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connection (14) has at least one communication contact (32) for the communication connection of the accessory unit (26) to the control unit (12). ). The vacuum device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connection (14) has a supply connection (30) for supplying power to the accessory unit (26). The vacuum device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (12) is configured to supply the accessory unit (26) at different voltages. 5. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit recognizes a type of the accessory unit from a signal output from the accessory unit. 6. Vacuum device (10). 6. The vacuum device (10) according to claim 5, wherein a signal is provided to the control unit (12) via a communication contact (32) of the connection (14). The vacuum device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection (14) is provided with a serial interface and / or a bus interface for the accessory unit (26). . The vacuum device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (12) is configured to process a provided payload from the accessory unit (26). 9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to drive the accessory unit even when it does not recognize the accessory unit in its form. 10. Vacuum device (10). The vacuum device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (12) is configured to simultaneously drive a plurality of accessory units (26) connected to the connection. ). An accessory unit (26) for a vacuum device (10), in particular a vacuum pump, having a connection (22) for connection to a connection (14) of the vacuum device (10), An accessory unit (26), characterized in that the unit (26) is configured to output a signal and to be able to recognize the type of the accessory unit (26) based on the signal. The accessory unit (26) has an actuator as well as sensors for parameters that can be influenced by the actuator and is configured to output data from the sensors via a connection (22). Item 12. An accessory unit (26) according to Item 11. The accessory unit (26) comprises at least one second connection (14) for the connection of a further accessory unit (26) to the accessory unit (26) and / or to the vacuum device (10). An accessory unit (26) according to claim 12 or claim 13, comprising: A first connection (22) for connection to a connection of the vacuum device (10) and a second connection (14) for connection of an accessory unit (26) for the vacuum device (10). The recognition unit outputs a signal and is capable of recognizing the type of the accessory unit (26) connected or connectable to the second connection (14) based on the signal. A recognition unit characterized by being formed as such. A vacuum device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and an accessory unit (26) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, and / or a recognition unit according to claim 14. A system having:

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